Latest news with #CosyClub
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Bar and restaurant chain with 36 locations suddenly closes venue in town shopping centre after nine years trading
A BELOVED bar and restaurant chain with 36 locations has suddenly closed a popular town shopping centre venue after nine years of trading. The Cosy Club at Ipswich's Buttermarket Shopping Centre has announced it made the "very difficult decision" to close its doors on May 31. 1 Managing Director Lucy Knowles revealed it was no longer "financially viable" for the popular restaurant to stay open. The Cosy Club held a lease on the branch until 2032. "We're very disappointed that, after nine years trading, we have taken the very difficult decision to close Cosy Club Ipswich," Lucy said. She added: "This is only the second Cosy Club we've ever closed but, unfortunately, it wasn't financially viable for us to continue trading there. "We would like to thank all of our team for their spirit, professionalism, and hard work and all our fabulous customers for their support over the years." Despite the closure, food lovers in Ipswich can still dine at Loungers — which operates Cosy Club — after confirming that Marinero Lounger is still set to open. The new bar and restaurant will open on July 2 at the Waterfront, in the former Burton and Sons warehouse. It comes after a popular fast food chain announced it is closing all of its restaurants, after over a decade in business. Chick 'n' Sours has closed its restaurants in Haggerston and Seven Dials in London, after hanging on "as long as we could". However, fans of the chicken shop will be pleased to know that it will continue its residencies at the Roof East and Corner Corner food halls. Restaurant chain with 475 outlets set to close dozens of locations across the US – as CEO issues ominous warning Chick 'n' Sours will also still be available on Deliveroo, with the brand also appearing at UK festivals and live music events. Co-founder David Wolanksi wrote on Instagram: 'We do what we do because we love it, fuelled by passion and a desire to provide guests with awesome food and memorable dining experiences. "But that's no longer enough these days. 'We hung in there as long as we could but I'm afraid we've now reached the point where operating the two restaurants just isn't viable anymore and it makes no commercial sense to continue. "The casual dining restaurant model is broken, but that's for another post.' Hospitality industry struggles The hospitality industry has faced mounting pressure in recent years including recovering from the pandemic, rising cost of living, inflation and eye-watering energy bills. Craig Rachel, director at financial advisory firm AlixPartners, outlined the key factors that drove businesses to close sites last year and continue to cause challenges in 2025. He said: " Restaurants have seen the accumulation of external pressures in 2024, including rising utility costs, food prices and labour costs. "Although some of these factors have stabilised over recent months, the overall impact is significant and will be exacerbated again in 2025 following the budget announcements, and this has all affected profitability. "Some restaurant groups have been able to mitigate this to a certain extent through operational efficiencies and pricing, but consumer spending in the sector is under pressure meaning price measures are often unable to fully bridge the gap." What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Cosy Club Ipswich closes down in shopping centre
A bar chain with more than 30 locations in the UK has announced it is closing one of its Club in Ipswich shut on director Lucy Knowles said it was no longer "financially viable" to continue trading in the Buttermarket shopping centre. She said the "majority" of staff would be transferred to a new venue, under the same ownership, which was due to open at Ipswich's waterfront in July. "We're very disappointed that, after nine years trading, we have taken the very difficult decision to close Cosy Club Ipswich," said Ms Knowles."This is only the second Cosy Club we've ever closed but, unfortunately, it wasn't financially viable for us to continue trading there."Cosy Club said there were 36 venues, with the most recent opening in Reading in Buttermarket said Cosy Club had a lease at the venue until 2032. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top homewares store coming to North Yorkshire town
Popular Danish homewares brand, Søstrene Grene, is opening in Harrogate. Known for its distinctive Scandinavian design, the brand offers a wide range of stylish, affordable home décor, furniture, and lifestyle products. The new store in Cambridge Street, in the former Cosy Club, will bring the brand's signature hygge shopping experience to the charming spa town, creating 16 jobs. Following successful openings in Leeds, York, and Wakefield, Søstrene Grene continues to strengthen its presence in Yorkshire with the new Harrogate store. RECOMMENDED READING: York: Queue outside Søstrene Grene in Nessgate, York, for opening Søstrene Grene: Danish homewares store opens in Nessgate Helmsley Group reveals Søstrene Grene is opening at The Coach House Harrogate Brewing Company Royal Parade opens on Friday Shoppers are promised a thoughtfully curated selection of homewares, kitchen essentials, gifts, seasonal décor, and craft items, all designed to create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere. Søstrene Grene has quickly become a favourite among UK shoppers for its blend of affordable design and high-quality products. The Harrogate store will embrace the brand's signature 'Retail of the Senses' concept, creating an immersive shopping experience with soft lighting, classical music, and a distinctive labyrinth-style layout. Designed to encourage relaxation and discovery, the store invites customers to slow down, explore, and engage with each moment of their visit. CEO and Co-owner of Søstrene Grene, Mikkel Grene, said: 'We're really excited to open in Harrogate, a town known for its unique charm. This new store is an important part of our ongoing expansion in Yorkshire, and we're looking forward to introducing our distinctive homewares to even more customers in the region.' Now with over 300 stores in 17 countries, Søstrene Grene is rapidly growing its presence in the UK, with ambitious plans to open 100 stores across the UK by 2027. UK Joint Venture Partner, Jonathan Cooper, who runs Søstrene Grene stores across the North of England, is also looking forward to his next opening. Jonathan said: "Harrogate is a town full of character, and its strong sense of community makes it a perfect fit for Søstrene Grene. 'After the excitement of our Leeds opening earlier this year, we're proud to continue our journey into Yorkshire with the new Harrogate store. "This expansion is part of a broader plan to bring Søstrene Grene to even more communities across the North, and we're looking forward to seeing it become a much-loved destination in the town." York's Søstrene Grene opened in Nessgate in November 2023. Jonathan added: 'The York store has exceeded all expectations and quickly become a go-to for both locals and visitors.' The official Grand Opening of Søstrene Grene, Harrogate will be announced very soon. To find out more about Søstrene Grene visit: or follow them on Instagram: @sostrenegrene
